State Task Force says Medi-Cal’s Computer System Should be Trashed

A new state report says the multi-billion dollar Medi-Cal program is unable to properly track and identify fraud. The report blames Medi-Cal’s antiquated computer system. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

The report comes from the Attorney General’s Medi-Cal Task Force. Sun Microsystems vice president Greg Papadopoulos chaired the group. He says Medi-Cal’s computer system is 30 years old. Papadopoulos says the system is unable to keep tabs on fraud and waste.

Papadopoulos:
There are lots of cases that people will have had 500 pairs of glasses. And the current system just is, it’s almost impossible to pick up really obvious things like this.”

It’s believed the Medi-Cal program could be losing up to three-billion dollars a year in fraudulent claims.

The task force says an upgraded computer system could cut those losses, and help providers deliver better patient care.